The Nameless Nation

For any new and upcoming band, it is critical to establish a fan base in order to create a long term market. In order to create a fan base, you must define a target market. Knowing who your target market is will help you to collect information on what they like and what makes them tick. Nameless, for example, targets teens and young adults between the ages of 14-24.Once you understand your target market, start to talk like them, think like them, even act like them. It will help you to project a correct tone - a way of gaining trust. Then, identify which types of engagement are effective. Social media outlets are the most common, and convenient ways to communicate with your fans. Building a relationship takes time. a fan base will not come instantly. It is a growing game. Here's to the start of something new.... #NamelessNation

Music Video Progress

Dani, Sophia and I got together and began filming for the music video to the song “Help Me”. Although we still have some more things to shoot, I have began editing the first scene of the video. Before editing, however, I took the time to research common editing techniques used in narrative music videos.

Common Editing Techniques

Cutting to the Beat

When a music video changes shot according to the beat of the song, it helps to create the rhythm and pace of a song. This techniques creates a nice flow of the video.

Jump Cuts

A jump cut is an editing technique in which two sequential shots of the same subject are taken from camera positions that vary only slightly if at all. This type of edit gives the effect of a passing of time, as if “jumping” forward into the future.

Cross Dissolve Transitions

Cross-Dissolve transitions represent the passage of time. This technique becomes especially useful when a music video is conveying a story.

Match Cut

A match cut is a cut from one shot to another where the two shots are matched by the action or subject and subject matter. This technique works wonders when transitioning from one scene of a video to an other.

Parallel Editing

This technique is used when illustrating two different events in two different settings occurring at the same time. Parallel editing aids in comparing, contrasting and demonstrating juxtaposition between two different scenes/events.

Visual Effects

Visual effects are a way of adding more of a narrative and can normally include more excitement within the piece. Common examples  of visual effects are animation and the use of a green screen. .

Website Design

Throughout the past week, I have been making a lot of progress on a website for Nameless. The website is definitely a key component of this project, as it encompasses important details about the band, including new music, news updates, an online merchandise store, tour information and ticket sales. The website connects every piece of the promotional campaign together and provides easy access to the band.

The Nameless website will discuss background on the band and how this group came to be. Fans can also earn more about the band’s first album, the track list and the group’s upcoming summer tour. I am in the process of designing a band logo, which will be displayed on t-shirts and hoodies offered for purchase on the band’s online store. Fans also have the opportunity to join the Nameless Nation, the band’s official fan base. These elements are crucial in reaching the ultimate goal of connecting the band and their fans, establishing a relationship between the two.

Here's a sneak peek of a few things I have included within the website:

Picture Perfect

One of the most important elements of a promotional campaign is the band's image. Earlier this week, Dani, Sophia and I met up at my house to practice and record the song "Help Me", which they will be performing in their first music video. Nameless gave me an understanding of how they wanted to portray their image.

A key aspect of the pop indie band's image is the ukulele, the instrument that both musicians began to first play. Sophia and Dani's soft, sweet, crystalline sound work to portray their lively and charming personalities. I decided to take Dani and Sophia on their first photo shoot. Here's a sneak peak!

Story Boarding is Complete!

I am glad to say that I have completed the story boards for my music video! The video will illustrate a narrative, discussing two people who just got out of a relationship and how they are dealing with it. Each character will be shown in two different locations when illustrating the present. The video will also encompass flashbacks, where the characters will reminisce on the good times, and eventually the bad times of their relationship. 

At the beginning of the video, each character is "lost with no direction". The video will take place in two different settings. Dani will be trying to find his way out of the woods where he use to go on nature walks with Sophia. Sophia was the only one who knew the land like the back of her hand, but since Dani no longer has Sophia by his side, he is lost. The video will then cut to Sophia, driving with no particular destination in sight. It is as if she is trying to get away from all of her problems, and the sadness the ending of their relationship has brought her. As the video continues, it will cut back and forth between Dani and Sophia, and characters will continue to reflect on their relationship and how they cope with their loss. 

And the Planning Process Begins...

Hey guys! Now that I have found the music group and chose the song that I will be promoting, it is time to begin the planning process for the music video. Before the story boarding begins, it is important to know common shots, angles, and composition used within music videos.

Establishing Shots

Many music videos incorporate establishing shots at the beginning of their videos in order to emphasize the location of the video. One Direction’s “What Makes You Beautiful” video begins with establishing shots of the beach.

Close-Ups

Close up shots usually illustrate a strong visual impact on the audience. Close up shots focus on details within the frame. This technique is commonly used to emphasize a person’s emotions, illustrated through their facial expressions and actions.

Long Shots

A long shot is a view of a scene that is shot from a  distance, so that people appear as indistinct shapes. This is most commonly used to illustrate setting, or to make subject seem small in comparison to the surroundings.

Two Shots

A two shot illustrates two distinct subjects, usually one right next to the other. There is usually a balance in the composition, presenting the subjects in the left and right thirds.

Low Angles

Low angles give the impression of the subject possessing strength and dominance through filming the subject from below.

High Angles

When a high angle is used, the camera is angled downward towards the subject, illustrating the subject from above. This angle technique is used to convey the subject as weak or fragile, making them appear less powerful, less significant and or even submissive.

Song Choice: "Help Me"

Below I have attached a link to my personal soundcloud, where you will find me singing an original song I wrote called "Help Me", a track discussing the emotional roller coaster caused by heartbreak after a break up. I hope you like it!

 https://soundcloud.com/user-978390300/help-me